When the Saints take the field in the Superdome for their NFC divisional playoff game against Arizona today, their all-time leading rusher will be in that number.

On Friday, the team re-signed running back Deuce McAllister, who was released nearly a year ago after setting franchise records for rushing yards (6,096), touchdowns (55), and rushing attempts (1.429).

McAllister appears unlikely to dress out as he is the fifth halfback on the roster, only 45 players can be active, and he hasnt been hit in an NFL game since Dec. 28, 2008.

Deuce McAllister has always embodied the spirit of the New Orleans Saints and the city of New Orleans, Saints coach Sean Payton said in a statement. Were excited to have him back with the team and to have him lead us out on to the field.

To make room for McAllister the club placed defensive tackle Rodney Leisle (knee) on injured reserve.

Im speechless, McAllister said. I dont know that there are words to describe this feeling. I do know that we have some unfinished business that we started a few years ago and we want to finish the deal.

More Deuce

The last time the Saints played in a playoff game in the Superdome, McAllister had one of the most significant performances in club history. He rushed for 143 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 27-24 divisional playoff victory against Philadelphia, sending New Orleans to its only NFC Championship game.

McAllisters former understudy, third-year running back Pierre Thomas, is now the featured back.

I learned a lot from Deuce, Thomas said. He has so much poise. His patience is terrific. He just sees the game in slow motion and he plays at a fast pace. Thats one thing I tried to learn is seeing everything he sees in his eyes, especially in the run game. I picked up a lot from watching Deuce on film and just talking to him on the side.

Familiar face

The Cardinals primary runner late in the season has been rookie Chris Beanie Wells, whom the Saints were interested in enough to pursue a possible trade to get a second first-round draft choice to use on him.

He is a guy that we had researched real well and youre always happy for a player like that, Payton said. You feel good about your evaluation when you see a player thats doing as well as he is. He gives them a presence at the running back position, which is important at this time of the year.

Quick turnaround

When the Saints take the field today it will have been 13 days since they played a game and 20 days for several key players who sat out the regular-season finale. The Cardinals played six days ago and they are playing the first game of the divisional round after playing the last game of the wild-card round.

I think you can see from the results last year where a number of teams that had to play and then play again versus teams that rested had success, Payton said. I think both teams will certainly be ready to play.

Vilma family OK

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma was relieved to learn that his relatives living in Haiti were OK after the devastating earthquake that struck earlier this week. Both of Vilmas grandmothers, two aunts, and one uncle live in Haiti.

Fortunately for my familys sake, everything is fine, Vilma said.

Its tragic to hear what happened. The best thing Ive seen or heard or read about is everyone is really trying to come and help.

Lagniappe

The four players listed on the Saints injury report are probable for today – RB Pierre Thomas (ribs) and DE Bobby McCray (back), who practiced fully for a third consecutive day Friday, and WR Lance Moore (ankle) and CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), who were limited for a third consecutive day. … Three Cardinals starters are questionable after being limited Friday – WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), LB Gerald Hayes (ankle), and DE Calais Campbell (thumb). … Former LSU and Saints RB Dalton Hilliard will be available for autographs and photos at the Saints Hall of Fame Museum before todays game from 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Posted on January 18th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: NFL football news